Breaking the Language Barrier: The Journey of 3 International Interns at 2000Archives

Working abroad comes with many challenges, and one of the greatest is the language barrier. For international interns navigating the fast-paced work environment in Korea, effective communication can feel overwhelming at times. Meet three interns from 2000Archives — Audrey from Canada, Shari from Italy, and Kia from Finland. Hear how they tackled these challenges, the strategies they used to overcome communication barriers, and the key lessons they gained from their experiences. They brought dynamism and multiculturalism to the Korean corporate environment.

Audrey – Canada

Q: What was the biggest language challenge you faced during your internship?

A: The biggest challenge was keeping up with rapid, informal Korean conversations — especially during team meetings and lunch. While I could communicate in basic Korean, the speed and slang used in casual settings were quite difficult.

Q: What strategies did you use to overcome the language barrier?

A: I relied heavily on translation apps and kept a notebook handy to jot down words and phrases I encountered. I also wasn’t afraid to ask colleagues to slow down or repeat themselves — and everyone was incredibly patient and helpful.

Q: What was the most important lesson you learned?

A: That communication is about more than just words. Body language, tone, and context played a huge role. I learned to read between the lines and became more attuned to non-verbal cues.

Shari – Italy

Q: How did you manage communication challenges in the workplace?

A: I made it a point to prepare before every meeting — reviewing key vocabulary and preparing what I wanted to say in advance. I also found that visual communication, like sketches and diagrams, helped bridge the gap in design discussions.

Q: Was there a moment when the language barrier felt especially significant?

A: During a presentation to the creative team, I struggled to express exactly what I envisioned for a design concept in Korean. But by using visuals and speaking slowly, I managed to convey my ideas — and the positive feedback afterward was incredibly encouraging.

Kia – Finland

Q: What surprised you most about communication in a Korean workplace?

A: I was surprised by the importance of hierarchy in communication. In Finland, workplaces tend to be very flat and direct. Learning to navigate a more formal communication style — especially with senior colleagues — was a meaningful adjustment.

Q: What advice would you give to future international interns?

A: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — they are your best teachers. Also, invest time in learning even basic Korean phrases before you arrive. It shows respect and genuinely helps you integrate with your team much more quickly.